Issue 02: Event CEO designs her Dream

Leanne Lam was born and raised in Hong Kong and studied briefly in Paris. She is an adventurer, risk taker, traveller, not afraid to express her own opinions and a fighter for her dreams. Leanne impressed me with her clear-sighted decisions and how she balances her gut feeling with her personal experiences. The empowering, effervescent Leanne has developed a variety of skills and special talents, that continue to lead her towards her ongoing goals.

Kimberley Kleczka is interviewing Leanne Lam

What three things did you learn as a teenager?

One important lesson I learnt is that we cannot control everything. Whether it was the school I wanted to go to, who I wanted to be friends with, what things I wanted to achieve… Sometimes things don’t work out and there is no need to be upset because one door closes for another door to open. There are so many things we cannot control, and even if things are not the way you want them to be, they will turn out fine. Another lesson is to never compare yourself with other people. You may see your peers doing all these things and getting achievements, but it does not mean you are not good enough. It just means that your time is coming. The last thing is that it is ok to not find friends with whom you completely feel connected with. It can feel a little lonely, but there will be a lot of opportunity in the future in university and in the workplace for you to find true friends.

You love to travel, so where do you call home?

For me, home is all about the safe place where you are most comfortable, where you can truly be yourself and explore your potential. I was born and raised in Hong Kong, but I would say that I’m still searching for the place where I truly belong.

How did you become an entrepreneur?

I think it has always been who I was. I enjoy creating new things and building things from scratch. I knew from very young what kind of working environment and industry would be most suited for me, so I took a leap of faith and started my own company.

Live your dream
And share your voice

What has been your biggest failure and how did you overcome it?

I don’t think there are any failures in life. Just lessons. Every failure is a chance for you to reflect on how to do better the next time.

Tell us about your businesses?

My main business is my events company, Le Lumiere Events. We specialise in private event planning and decorations. Everything from wedding to birthday parties. We hope to be the light throughout the different stages in our clients’ lives. My new project, Blu Journal is a content platform that includes a podcast and blog that hopes to inspire youth to pursue their dreams.

Describe your typical day?

I usually wake up and have some ‘me time’ whether it is to read or meditate. Then I go to a workout class, followed by a lunch meeting. Then it’s a full day of working and meetings. On event days, we spend the whole day making decorations or creating rundowns. Normally after work, I attend networking events or have an enjoyable dinner with friends.

How did you become a ‘micro-influencer’?

I started my social media presence just like any other girl my age, during the time when Instagram and Facebook had just started. I believe I really started to represent brands and voice my own opinion when I was first signed to a model agency. It allowed me to learn more about the industry and do personal branding.

If you had to start all over again in business, what advice would you give us?

One piece of advice I would give is to ask  for help. I used to think that I could do everything on my own, but in reality, this is impossible. Asking for help and advice is not a weakness, but a strength. Also, when listening to advice, always be open- minded but still use your own judgment.

Do you have any special tools that you work with in your industry?

The event planning industry needs a lot of soft skills: organization, negotiation, creativity, self-expression… It is a people business and the best tool is your voice.

What is your special key to success?

Perseverance and belief in myself. Success is a very long journey. While some people give up on the way, it is so important to know what your short term and long-term goals are, with a plan to achieve them, and a belief that you can.

What keeps you going when times are tough?

It has to be self-perseverance. You just have to believe in yourself. Even when a certain idea does not work, you can always continue to try different ideas until it succeeds. You also need to remind yourself how far you’ve come. Every step counts. Even when you’ve only gained one customer or earned one dollar, it counts, and it is one step forward.

As a firm feminist, what message do you have to young girls?

You can be anything you want to be. Do not let society or another people’s opinions limit you. The world is so big and there are more opportunities out there than you know. You will find people you connect with and things you are passionate about. Do not rush it, opportunities will be there when you are ready and open to accept them.